Are Kidney Beans Paleo?

Marla Sarris is the founder of Paleo Porn, co-author of Pigskin Paleo, Studio Manager & Barre Instructor at The Dailey Method, Personal Trainer & Small Group Fitness Instructor at Legit Fit, as well as the Executive Producer of Minimalism. After tirelessly dedicating six years to teaching Mathematics at one of the top High Schools in the nation, she left her all-consuming career in pursuit of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. She continues to indulge her passion for teaching through Paleo Porn.

Beans are generally excluded from the Paleo diet due to their high concentration of phytates, an anti-nutrient. Beans defend themselves from predators like us using phytates, which help to protect the bean from digestion. In order to do that, it often causes problems in those trying to eat it, including inflammation. Phytates also bind to nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. As a result, a diet high in phytates and low in these nutrients can cause nutrient deficiencies.

Sprouting or soaking beans before cooking them can get rid of some of the phytates, but not all of them, and it is not enough to completely counteract the effects they tend to have when eaten.

Paleo and Carbohydrates

Aside from phytates, beans are also very high in carbohydrates. For those trying to stick to more of a low-carb diet, we advise staying away from beans.

The Paleo Debate

Chris Kresser appeared on an episode of Dr. Oz and touted his version of Paleo to the world, which included beans and legumes. He explains his point of view on legumes in this article. After airing, Dr. Loren Cordain, author of The Paleo Diet followed up Kresser’s advice with even more information on beans and legumes in this article. Mark Sisson also has a post in which he discusses the pros and cons of legumes.

Marla Sarris is the founder of Paleo Porn, co-author of Pigskin Paleo, Studio Manager & Barre Instructor at The Dailey Method, Personal Trainer & Small Group Fitness Instructor at Legit Fit, as well as the Executive Producer of Minimalism. After tirelessly dedicating six years to teaching Mathematics at one of the top High Schools in the nation, she left her all-consuming career in pursuit of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. She continues to indulge her passion for teaching through Paleo Porn.

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